THE rhythm of Korean Pop (K-Pop) is once again finding its way to the Queen City of the South. After two years of silence, the Changwon K-POP World Festival Preliminary is back and ready to make some noise. This Sunday, June 29, 2025, the City Wing Atrium of SM Seaside City Cebu will transform into a stage for music, dance and cultural exchange as Cebu’s K-Pop community steps into the spotlight.
More than just a contest, this year’s event marks a strong comeback: bigger and better, owing to the unwavering passion of Cebuano K-Pop fans. Although it didn’t take place in 2023 and 2024, the energy of these supporters remained strong through performances and online content. That continued support helped bring the event back with backing from the Korean government and a team of committed organizers.
The event is organized through the collaboration of the Korean Consulate in Cebu, the Korean Association in Cebu, SM Seaside City Cebu, HALLYU IL and Y101. Out of 60 applicants, 40 teams (six vocalists and 34 dance cover groups) have been carefully selected to compete. With the opportunity to represent Cebu on an international stage, these local talents have poured countless hours into perfecting every note and move, ready to light up the stage and win the hearts of fans and judges alike.
The event is not just about competition, it’s also part of the Korea Friendly Foreigners Outreach Project, a program that focuses on building real connections between countries through grassroots cultural events. Cebu was chosen as one of the hosts, highlighting its growing role as a cultural hub and its importance in promoting the global Korean Wave.
It is no surprise that many Koreans consider Cebu a second home. Last year, more than one million Korean tourists visited Cebu and Bohol, making them the largest group of foreign visitors. They are drawn not just by the beaches, but by the welcoming environment. In return, many Filipinos have embraced Korean music, dramas and food not as passing trends, but as part of their everyday lives.
Whether you’re a longtime K-Pop fan or just curious about the experience, the return of the Changwon K-POP World Festival Preliminary is your chance to see cultural exchange in action — not just as an audience member, but as part of something bigger.